About the Program

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When do Weekend MBA classes take place?

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Classes meet every Saturday, either from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., for 11 weeks. The Weekend MBA program accommodates those who live or work outside of Chicago to attend and receive the same experience as Evening MBA students. It is also ideal for those in the area whose schedules do not permit them to take classes on weeknights.

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Can I take classes in the other programs?

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Flexibility is one of the hallmarks of the Chicago Booth MBA program. If your schedule permits, you can choose to take classes with students in the Weekend MBA or Full-Time MBA programs. Also, if you miss a class, you can make up the session in the Weekend MBA program, with your professor's approval.

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What parts of the country do Weekend MBA students come from?

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Students come from all over the country to attend the Chicago Booth Weekend MBA program. You’ll find classmates who live in Houston, Boston, San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, Seattle, and other cities. 80% of our Weekend MBA students come from outside of Illinois.

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How many students travel to Booth for the Weekend MBA programs?

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West Coast - 21%

East Coast - 12%

Southwest - 17%

Midwest - 50%

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Are there opportunities to study abroad?

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Yes. Our International Programs Office oversees two academic programs designed to enhance not only our students' MBA experience with an international perspective, but also Chicago Booth's global footprint. For students whose schedule permit, Booth offers an option to spend one academic term abroad at one of our 33 partner schools, situated in 21 countries around the world, through our International Business Exchange Program (IBEP). To accommodate working students, short-term programs of two to three weeks are available.

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Are events held on weekends so that students from both the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA can attend?

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Absolutely. A few of the activities that you can take advantage of are post-exam socials in the Midway Club, a Student Advisory Council lunch with the dean, student group conferences, and speed-networking. We also offer some initiatives, such as Career Treks, that students can participate in over vacation.

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Does Booth offer any special services for Weekend MBA students who commute?

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Yes. We try to make your commute easier by offering a shuttle service from Midway and O’Hare airports. Coffee Service is available on Saturday mornings for all students. If you need to stay in a hotel, Booth has arrangements with several properties that offer special rates for our students.

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Can I transfer or waive classes?

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All Weekend MBA students are required to complete 20 courses in addition to the Effective Leadership course in order to graduate. Chicago Booth does not accept transfer credits from other institutions. We also do not waive any of the total number of courses required. However, our flexible curriculum offers options for fulfilling the 20 courses without having you repeat courses you have already mastered.

Program Duration and Employment

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How long does it typically take to complete the Weekend MBA Program?

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If you take two courses per quarter, from start to finish, you will finish the program in two and a half years. On average, it takes most students three years, allowing for a quarter off or a reduction of courses per quarter.

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How long do I have to complete the degree?

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Weekend MBA students have five years to complete their degree requirements.

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Do I need to be employed throughout my tenure at Chicago Booth?

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The application is evaluated in three parts: the academic piece (including the undergraduate institution, courses taken, grades earned, post-college work, and the GMAT/GRE test score), the work experience piece (including quality and quantity of the applicant's career path), and the life experience/individual fit with Chicago Booth. We take a holistic approach and evenly consider all aspects of one’s application and interview.

The application is evaluated in three parts: the academic piece (including the undergraduate institution, courses taken, grades earned, post-college work, and the GMAT/GRE test score), the work experience piece (including quality and quantity of the applicant's career path), and the life experience/individual fit with Chicago Booth. We take a holistic approach and evenly consider all aspects of one’s application and interview.

How Applications Are Evaluated

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What areas of the application are evaluated and what weight is put on each area?

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The application is evaluated in three parts, all weighted equally: the academic piece (including the undergraduate institution, courses taken, grades earned, post-college work, and the GMAT/GRE test score), the work experience piece (including quality and quantity of the applicant's career path), and the life experiences/individual fit with Chicago Booth.

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How can I demonstrate the three areas above?

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We have a holistic review and look at academic ability, professional background and accomplishments, career goals with an MBA, and interests/community involvement outside of work. In short, we are looking for well-rounded individuals who have a high level of intellectual curiosity.

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What is the average GPA, work experience, and age of admitted students?

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The Admission Committee values the diverse experiences and accomplishments each student brings to the Chicago Booth community. Therefore, we do not have cut-off levels for grades, GMAT, or number of years of work experience required for admission. The mid-80 % ranges are:

GPA: using a 4.0 scale, between 3.2 - 3.4

Average age:25-35

Years of work experience: 2-10 years

Average GMAT: 680 (*80 percent fall in the 620 - 740 range)

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I previously applied to the Full-Time MBA, Evening MBA, or Weekend MBA Program and was NOT admitted. What are my options?

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Reapplicants must wait six months before reapplying. You are considered a reapplicant within two years of your previous application. Reapplicants must complete a reapplicant essay (in addition to the traditional essays) and are only required to submit one new letter of recommendation.

Chicago Booth also offers non-degree Executive Education courses that provide the opportunity to learn from our world-renowned professors and work alongside top executives from around the globe. See the Executive Education website to learn more.

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I have an advanced degree. How is that viewed?

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Many applicants have advanced degrees. Chicago Booth’s flexible curriculum allows you to build on your existing knowledge and choose more rigorous courses, rather than repeating what you have already mastered. In evaluating candidates, we seek those who show a strong desire for the Chicago Booth educational experience, so be sure to explain your reason for earning an additional degree in your application essays.

I already have a graduate degree and have taken the GRE/LSAT/MCAT. Do I still need to take the GMAT?

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We accept both the GMAT and GRE. We have no preference between the two, so take whichever test you prefer. Test scores are valid for five years. Please contact our office with any questions. The LSAT and MCAT are not accepted.

Application Process

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How do I know if my application is complete?

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We will notify you if anything is missing from your application. This includes scores, letters of recommendations, transcripts, or application fee. If your application is incomplete, we will give you a deadline for submitting the additional materials.

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How long does it take for an application to be reviewed?

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Application review, on average, takes four to six weeks.

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May I apply for the Full-Time MBA, Evening MBA, Weekend MBA, and Executive MBA Programs at the same time?

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Simultaneous applications to any of the MBA Programs are not accepted. Prospective students should apply to the program in which they have the strongest preference. Please call the admissions hotline at 312.464.8700 if you would like to further discuss the MBA programs and where you best fit.

Application Fee

Transcripts

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I received my undergraduate degree abroad and it is nearly impossible to get a copy of my official transcripts. Can I get the transcripts notarized by your office? Or, I have a copy that I can send. Will that be OK?

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Please arrange a visit to our Program Office at Gleacher Center (Suite 330). Our staff will make notarized copies of your transcripts and diploma certificate. You may also call 312.464.8700 to arrange for notary services.

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I took classes at a community college one summer, before/during/after college. It is/isn’t included in my undergraduate/graduate transcript. Do I need to request this if it’s just one course that doesn’t have much significance?

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Applicants must submit all transcripts from each university, college, or graduate institution they have attended. However, if course names and grades from other institutions are included on another transcript, that is acceptable.

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I sent my transcripts last year, but decided not to apply. Are they still on file?

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Yes. Credentials are held for two years. However, please call 312.464.8700 to verify that your transcript is still on file.

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The registrar at my school forgot to seal the back of the envelope. Is this a problem?

Letters of Recommendation

I work for the family business. Is it OK to get a letter of recommendation from a family member?

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We highly suggest letters come from a more objective source than a family member. A colleague or client may be better suited in this scenario.

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Is it better to get one letter from an employer and one from a professor, or both from business?

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We would be happy to introduce you to a member of the Booth network. Our students represent various interests and career paths, and are open to sharing their unique perspective as a student with you. Just fill out the form on our Connect with a Student page to get started.

Class Visit

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I want to sit in on a class. Is there a formal procedure, or do I just walk in?

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Prospective students are encouraged to visit a class. Please Note: Attending an Info Session event is encouraged before the class visit. Please submit a request for the class visit a member of the admissions team will contact you.

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I would like to contact a student in my area. Can you put me in touch with someone?

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We would be happy to introduce you to a member of the Booth network. Our students represent various interests and career paths, and are open to sharing their unique perspective as a student with you. Just fill out the form on our Connect with a Student page to get started.